chapter seven: The space between us.

Next day, Natasha walked into the school library, eyes scanning for Michael. Spotted him sketching in the corner.

She approached slowly. Michael looked up, gave a casual nod. "Hey".

Natasha smiled, trying to play it cool. "Hey. writing a masterpiece?"

Michael chuckled, shaking his head. "something like that". He said trying to avoid eye contact.

"Let's go home together, it's closing time". Natasha said smiling and Michael couldn't resist her eyes, he accepted and they left.

They walked out the school gate, trying to shake off the weirdness, but the vibes were still a little off. Just then, a sleek black car slowed down behide them. Argun stepped out, eyes narrowed on Natasha and Michael. He didn't say a word. just looked. Hard. Natasha and Michael didn't notice.

Argun turned back to his car, slid in without a word and drove off.

"Ohh! I forgot my phone inside, wait for me I will be right back". Natasha said and ran back inside.

Argun's car stopped block away. He got out, walked back to Michael, who was still waiting for Natasha. Argun's smile was cold. "you don't want to get involved with Natasha Lee".

Michael looked up, eyes meeting argun's without flinching ."and u are?" he replied trying to   play cool.

Argun leaned in, voice low. "I'm Argun. Natasha's fiance, Natasha's engagement have been arranged. stay away, don't say l didn't warn you.He turned and left.

Argun's car disappeared into traffic. Michael let out a slow breath, his mind was racing. "Engagement ? What even is this ?" He thought to himself. Part of him said, back off dude. Not worth it. The Lees are not people you wanna mess with .  while other part was like, screw that. You love her. 

Michael rubbed his temples. "Does Natasha even wanna be with me". As he was talking to himself Natasha walked out the school gate and they both left together.

When Michael got home. He walked into the living room, face etched with tension. The scent of stir-fry wafted through the air, and his stomach growled despite the knot in his gut. His mother, Tracy, was cooking up a storm in the kitchen, her eyes flicking up to him as he dropped onto a chair. "Son, what's wrong? You look like you lost a fight".

Michael raked a hand through his hair, staring at the floor. "It's....... someone, mom".

Tracy's hands paused over the sizzling veggies. She turned off the stove and walked over, wiping her hand on a towel. "Natasha, right? She asked.

Michael sighed. Sipping the whole messy story_ Natasha, Argun,The LEES..... everything. Tracy listened, her expression thoughtful, her eyes filling with a mix of concern and wisdom.

When he finished, she sat down beside him, her voice softer but firm. "Michael, listen. "I love Natasha so much, and I know you love her too. But u can't save someone whose problem are bigger than yours.

Michael's eyes snapped up, a protest on his lips. "But_"

Tracy cut him off, her hand on his shoulder. "Listen, Mike. We aren't from the same world. The LEEs are .... they play by different rules. You'll get hurt. You're an artist, Michael. You have dreams, and ur family depends on u. Don't let someone else's drama ruin them".

Michael's jaw set, his eyes flashing with defiance. "I can handle it, mom. I care about her a lot".

Tracy's gaze was stern but kind. "I know you do, son . That's why I'm telling you. Leave her. Before it's too late. It's not worth losing yourself over". She concluded patted his shoulder and went back to cooking.

Michael sat there stuck between letting go or fighting for the woman he loves.

Natasha slipped into comfy clothes and headed out to meet Maya. They hit the street, browsing boutique and sipping coffee at a trendy cafe.

Maya: flipped through a rack of dresses, her eyes scanning the crowd. "So, what's going on with you and Argun? Heard he's getting extra pushy".

Natasha: sighed, picking up a scarf . " Tell me about it. He came yesterday talking about marriage".

Maya: what did u tell him.

Natasha: smiled, her voice firm. "Told him I'm not marrying him. Period ".

Maya: whistled. Girl, you're crazy. You know the LEEs don't take 'No' for an answer".

Natasha: shrugged tossing the scarf back on the rack. "I don't care. I can't marry someone who doesn't see me. You know?"

Maya: nodded, sympathy in her eyes. "I got you boo. You deservesomeone better than  Argun".

They spent the afternoon shopping, laughing and venting. Natasha felt lighter, like she would shed some weight off her shoulders.

Natasha walked into the mansion, expecting the usual opulence and quite, instead, Argun was loucing in the foyer, looking like he owned the place. His eyes narrowed as she approached.

"Natasha. "We need to talk. Argun said with a serious look on his face".

Natasha raised an eyebrow, her tone cool. "What about?"

Argun pushed off the wall, stalking closer. "Who was that boy, you were with outside the school gate?"

Natasha looked caught off guard. "I don't know what you are talking about".

Argun's mask slipped, anger flashing across his face. "Don't play dumb with me . You know what this is about. You are my fiance, Natasha. And I will not allow you tarnish my family's name. You better get your act right or I will be forced to report you to your father. He said in a harsh tone.

Natasha's voice rose, her words laced with venom. "I'll do what I want. I'm not marrying you".

Argun's face turned red, his voice low and menacing. "You'll do as you're told. Your father decreed it. You'll be my wife, and you'll make the LEES proud".

Natasha's laughter was loud, mocking. "Proud? Of being tied to a power _ hungry snake like you? Never".

Argun's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist, his grip brushing. "Don't test my patience, Natasha".

Natasha yanked her hand free, her eyes blazing. "Get your hands off me ". She said with a disgust look on her face and left.

The night swallowed Natasha whole. She lay in  bed, stare fixed on the ceiling as her mind raced. "Michael....Argun.... The LEES name....her thoughts swirled, a mess of emotions defiance, fear, want. "Why can't I just be me?" She said cuddling her pillow.

In his small studio, Michael was doing the same lost in the dark, replaying Argun's words. Engagement....stay away... tension gripped his chest. "Do I let her go?"

Silence stretched between them, but their minds were a tangled mess of unresolved thoughts.